Monday, September 12, 2011

College Receives Military Friendly School Recognition

Rio Salado College has been recognized for the third consecutive year as a 2012 Military Friendly School from G.I. Jobs, the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. The 2012 recognition honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the nation for their dedication to providing military service members and veterans with a quality education.

“We value the contribution that so many have made for our country,” said Rachelle Clarke, associate dean at Rio Salado College. “It is an honor for Rio Salado College to be recognized for the support it provides to active military personnel, veterans and their families.”

This designation confirms Rio Salado’s status as a quality school for veterans to attend. The recommendation was bolstered this year as student veterans from Rio and across the nation participated in the survey for the first time. Their feedback strengthens the selection process and gives prospective military students insight into the student experience at specific institutions.

Michael Dakduk, executive director for the Student Veterans of America agrees. “The Military Friendly Schools list is the go-to resource for prospective student veterans searching for schools that provide the right overall experience. Nothing is more compelling than actual feedback from current student veterans.”

Nearly 2,600 active military service members and more than 2,500 veterans, representing all five service branches, are enrolled at Rio Salado. Educational support for military students and their families is provided through the college’s military partnerships, Veteran’s Affairs Office, and the East Valley Veterans Education Center (EVVEC).

“Rio’s military partnerships and online format helps deployed service members continue with their education,” said Clarke. “Our Veteran’s Affairs Office and the East Valley Veterans Education Center help service members and veterans navigate benefits and transition to civilian life.”

The EVVEC also provides workforce development resources to veterans. Rio is the host institution for the center, a collaboration between five of the Maricopa Community Colleges; Rio Salado, GateWay, Mesa, Scottsdale and Chandler-Gilbert. Community partners for the center include the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, Phoenix VA Regional Office and the Maricopa Workforce Connection.

“Our center is a one-stop shop,” said Manrico Lollie, coordinator for the EVVEC. “Our services range from helping veterans with the college enrollment process to employment helps, such as interview skills and resume writing.”

The 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools ® was compiled through extensive research and a data driven survey of more than 8,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board consisting of educators from schools across the country.

A complete article and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools ® will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools and on a poster, both of which will be distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October. The website, features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to assist military veterans with their school decisions.
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Rio Salado College is one of the largest public online community colleges in the nation serving nearly 70,000 students annually. Founded in 1978, Rio Salado offers degree and certificate programs and general education courses. The college also provides support for dual enrollment, military and incarcerated students, and is the largest provider of Adult Basic Education in Arizona.

The Maricopa Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation and serves more than 250,000 students annually. It includes 10 colleges - Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, SouthWest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes.

G.I. Jobs is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business which also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.